Flashcards Studio

A citizen of State A sued a citizen of State B in federal court under diversity jurisdiction, seeking specific performance of a contract to buy a lakeside parcel for $1 million. The record shows that the defendant owns the parcel as tenant in common with her brother, who is also a citizen of State A. The brother signed no contract, has refused to sell, and has filed a state-court action seeking a declaration that any sale without his consent would violate his ownership rights.
The plaintiff argues that the federal court can order the defendant to convey her one-half interest and award damages for the rest. The defendant moves to dismiss for failure to join the brother, arguing that complete relief and title certainty are impossible without him and that joining him would destroy diversity. The brother is subject to service but refuses to appear voluntarily.
How should the federal court analyze the motion? Discuss whether the brother is a required party, whether joinder is feasible, the Rule 19(b) factors, and possible alternatives to dismissal.